VehicleVerdict

1984 Ford Mustang problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1984 Ford Mustang sits mid-pack among Mustang years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 117, with 4 recalls and 4 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 40% of all reports (14 of 35), far ahead of engine at 6.

35

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1984 compare to other Mustang years?

Mustang NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted893 complaints1965: 6 complaints1966: 5 complaints1967: 3 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 3 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 10 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 8 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 35 complaints1985: 22 complaints1986: 32 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 132 complaints1989: 127 complaints1990: 119 complaints1991: 98 complaints1992: 80 complaints1993: 132 complaints1994: 496 complaints1995: 829 complaints1996: 329 complaints1997: 231 complaints1998: 297 complaints1999: 281 complaints2000: 427 complaints2001: 219 complaints2002: 159 complaints2003: 177 complaints2004: 127 complaints2005: 893 complaints2006: 506 complaints2007: 728 complaints2008: 384 complaints2009: 215 complaints2010: 296 complaints2011: 583 complaints2012: 573 complaints2013: 325 complaints2014: 424 complaints2015: 593 complaints2016: 491 complaints2017: 337 complaints2018: 234 complaints2019: 187 complaints2020: 174 complaints2021: 67 complaints2022: 73 complaints2023: 28 complaints2024: 115 complaints2025: 15 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Mustang NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mustang years to avoid →

What are the most common 1984 Ford Mustang problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1440%
Engine617%
Steering39%
Other39%
Seat Belts26%
Transmission13%
Brakes13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Lighting13%
Speed Control13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1984 Ford Mustang have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

92V063000Seat BeltsApril 29, 1992 · 306,000 units

Defect

THE PLASTIC SLEEVE IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT TONGUE ASSEMBLY WHICH RETAINS THE LOCK BAR CAN DETERIORATE FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND BECOME DISPLACED, CAUSING THE TONGUE TO DETACH FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING.

Consequence

IF THE TONGUE DETACHES FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING, THESAFETY BELT WOULD NOT ATTACH TO ITSELF, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYTO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FORD WILL REPAIR THE SAFETY BELTS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE AGE OR CONDITION.

84V119000Fuel SystemOctober 2, 1984 · 85,000 units

Defect

THE SECONDARY THROTTLE SHAFT MAY, WITH ACCUMULATED MILEAGE, BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MAY STICK IN A PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS STICKING COULD RESULT IN A FASTER SPEED THAN INTENDED, POSSIBLY RESUTLING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

THE PRIMARY TO SECONDARY THROTTLE CLOSURE LINK ON THE CARBURETOR WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.

83V134000Seat BeltsDecember 20, 1983 · 530,000 units

Defect

THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER SHUTTING OFF, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FORT MYERS CITY FIRE DEPT., ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSE OF FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 16, 1995 · fire

“VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING.OWNER RECEIVED NO INDICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD WARM UP IT, WOULD STALL. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 3, 1997

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1984 FORD MUSTANG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND THEY STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY AND MADE THE REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A LOT OF MOVEMENT. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 30, 2008

“(USED)VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ROUND ABOUT THE CENTER OF VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 10, 1995 · fire

1984 Ford Mustang — common questions

Is the 1984 Ford Mustang reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Mustang year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1984 Mustang problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), engine (6 complaints), steering (3 complaints).

Does the 1984 Ford Mustang have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 Ford Mustang. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1984 Ford Mustang under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Mustang years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mustang years to avoid are 2005, 1995, 2007, 2015, 2011, 2012, 2006, 1994, 2016, 2000, 2014, 2008, 2017, 1996, 2013, 1998, 2010, 1999, 2018, 1997, 2001, 2009, 2019, 2003, 2020. The cleanest record among Mustang years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.